Recapping LSU's recruiting weekend: Notebook
LSU hosted a slew of premier prospects for its win over Florida this weekend and the results are as expected--largely positive from all involved.
With so many prospects on hand, it has taken a bit of digging to find the biggest developments and storylines to come out of the weekend. Here is a rundown of those storylines.
Sticking to the Webb:
LSU left an impression on Phillip Webb during his summer visit and the vibes seemed to carry over this weekend for his official visit. Webb spent as much time as one could with staff on a game weekend of this magnitude, but the trip was more about rekindling some of that magic the Tigers were able to find on the summer trip.
Well, it sounds like there was some fairy dust in the air this go-around. LSU made another strong impression on Webb during his stay and are positioned to be a real threat down the stretch. They have been here before with Webb, though, so there is cautious optimism in regards to landing him.
The numbers are tight, but it sounds like Harris' upcoming decision on November 11 will have little to no bearing on whether LSU would take Webb or not. They absolutely want him and the need for impact edge defenders seems to be carrying more weight than some other positions down the stretch. At this time, LSU may have a slight edge over Clemson, Auburn and others.
Better late than never:
McKinnley Jackson was not able to make it to campus prior to the team taking the field, limiting his time with the staff during his trip, but Jackson told our Chad Simmons that the visit was "epic" and that he feels really comfortable at LSU.
The Tigers will continue to court Jackson until the Early Signing Period then reassess their situation and numbers to see where the needs lie. With Jacobian Guillory looking like a strong LSU lean at the moment and the numbers fairly tight with needs still not addressed at key positions, I am not sure there will be a spot. With that said, Orgeron loves Jackson and it could up being extremely difficult to turn him away because of numbers, if that moment ever comes about.
Jackson is taking all of his visits late in the process, so the Tigers will have some time to work through the numbers and see what they end up with.
King M--double A-Son
Maason Smith is becoming a regular on the LSU sidelines during home games and he is being treated accordingly, as the top prospect in the state for 2021. Smith and his family were brought to midfield prior to the game by Ed Orgeron and his wife Kelly. The head coach then retreated to the locker room to join his team before taking to the field in front of the LSU faithful, with Smith standing on the Tiger Eye as the team ran toward them.
Those type of moves have become routine for Orgeron and his top target, which is why it will be so difficult for any school to pry Smith from the Tigers' hands. It's early, and he has legitimate interest in Alabama, Florida and others, but I would feel comfortable putting in a FutureCast for Smith to end up at LSU.
Arik with an A:
Gilbert may give the visit an "A" grade, but it still feels like LSU trails Georgia, Alabama and even Clemson for his services. Sources at LSU believe the visit went well, but they did not see the signs that major movement will come of the trip. In fact, he barely received a mention, which is a sign that they have little to no confidence in landing him.
It feels like Gilbert likes LSU, is impressed with the offense, but did not see the Tigers as a real contender for his services. I may be wrong, but that is what it feels like now that his trip has passed.
Green is the color of money:
We first introduced LSU fans to Malcolm Green a couple months ago as the safety Busch would push for if there was a spot to give. Well, it feels like they have a spot to give.
The safety position is in need of some major recruiting juice to rebuild the backend of the defense and things went really well with Green this weekend. They like his ability to cover over the slot, tackle in run support and play in the nickel. There are a lot of signs that these two could unite in the near future. I am tempted to put in a FutureCast, but will hold off for the moment. With that said, it does appear more likely than not that Green makes his way into this class.
Evans no-shows everyone:
After much anticipation, Evans let both fanbases down when he elected to not attend either LSU or Texas A&M for their big recruiting weekends. His recruitment continues to be difficult to keep tabs on, but there is still confidence in Baton Rouge that they will end up pulling Evans in the end. He is set to visit for the Auburn game next weekend. If he shows up, which I believe he will, the Tigers will only strengthen their position.
Don't fret, he'll be back:
Like Evans, Harris did not attend either the LSU or Texas A&M games this weekend. Harris is still working on scheduling an official visit to LSU, which the family is hoping will be wrapped up before his November 11 announcement date. He is planning on taking one more trip to Texas A&M as well, in what will be a pivotal weekend in the race for his services.
I spoke to his father in-depth on Sunday and it is apparent they are trying to remain open to both programs. It is also apparent that there is no reason for me to change my FutureCast at the moment, with it sitting firmly on LSU. Donell Jr. was blown away during his trip and his father plans to let him make his own decision.
LSU's advantage lies with the relationship built by the LSU staff. Harris really likes coach Orgeron and Corey Raymond and his trip to Baton Rouge allowed him to build bonds with numerous people within the program. A&M will need to blow him away to overtake LSU. That's my take after conferring with sources around Harris and speaking to his father.
LSU surges to the top for Jaheim Oatis:
I dropped a FutureCast on 2022 Mississippi defensive lineman Jaheim Oatis in anticipation of a possible commitment after it became apparent that Oatis was blown away during his trip this weekend. Ed Orgeron spent some time with Oatis on the field and the two engaged in a meaningful conversation. The whole trip is said to have gone really well, according to a source.
Oatis has the Tigers out front and may still be contemplating giving a verbal pledge. The chances it actually happens are reduced with every passing hour, but it is still a possibility from what I gather. It is early, and a lot will happen from now until the time he signs, but LSU made a lasting impression and look like quite the threat moving forward.
Looking good for Nussy:
Garrett Nussmeier is starting to envision himself in the Tigers' offense and he likes the things he sees. He was on hand once again this weekend and was blown away by the atmosphere. He already had a strong bond with Steve Ensminger and Ed Orgeron, but he is starting to build a really strong rapport with Joe Brady.
It feels like LSU has a solid lead once again with Nussmeier. They see a kid that is rapidly improving, that has unrivaled mechanics and accuracy, and a ridiculously high football I.Q. Nussmeier is the most likely quarterback to join the 2021 class at this stage, but it is still too early to really project.
An illness kept top target away:
LSU was feeling like a visit from Florida standout Bryce Langston could solidify their chances of landing him next cycle. Unfortunately for them, Langston's mother became ill, forcing them to stay behind for the contest.
He is unsure if he will reschedule and make it for another contest, which will be critical for the purposes of positioning. LSU has some ties to people around Langston, so they will have shot if they can get him on campus. They think he is a real difference maker and will recruit him as such. look for him to resurface at some point moving forward.
Hilton is feeling LSU right now:
LSU is in a strong position for receiver Chris Hilton right now after a series of visits and conversations with staffers. The Hilton's are planning on freeing up some time in the football offseason for a slew of visits before aiming for a decision, likely putting basketball and 7on7 on the back burner. .
I get the feeling he will be a spring or summer commitment and LSU has the lead at the moment. The passing game, Joe Brady and attention he and his family are receiving from the LSU staff appears to be the major factors.
Made a strong move on Ga'Quincy McKinstry:
LSU absolutely loves Alabama athlete Ga'Quincy McKinstry. They think he can play on either side of the ball, but the evaluation process tells them he is an elite cornerback and they plan on recruiting him as such.
McKinstry had a great trip to Baton Rouge this weekend and spent ample time with coaches and staffers while on his trip. LSU will be a major player for McKinstry, along with Alabama and Clemson; two schools that look like early contenders for his services.
McKinstry's father spent a lot of time with Corey Raymond on the trip giving the accomplished coach a chance to lay out a full plan for development both on and off the field. Raymond's genuine nature and ability to shoot it straight is one of his best assets as a recruiter. It was the moment Saivion Smith and his family knew they wanted to be at LSU. A similar moment was a decisive factor for Elias Ricks and his family. Raymond is deadly when given the chance and he has his eyes set on McKinstry.
I nearly put in a FutureCast for McKinstry, but elected to wait since a commitment does not appear imminent. If things remain the same after the turn of the year, with LSU sitting atop his board, I will likely make the move at that time.
Dematrius Davis loved it:
Dematrius Daivs likes what he sees from the LSU offense. He said the atmosphere "makes you want to be a part of it". LSU would probably like that as well since they are looking to add a more athletic body to the quarterback room.
Sources around Davis keep citing LSU, Texas A&M and Nebraska as the teams sitting on top of his list. Once the dominos start to fall we should get a better idea on where Davis sits. It is apparent that LSU is sitting in a strong position after this weekend.